.. in reply to "was: duplicate offer"
In principle, it is a good idea to "code" messages by subject-pertinent heading.
B u t : the suggested codification / cyphering is just a bit complicated.
Sure, we all want to guard against that avalanche-style onslaught of
engless "e-glut" and many feel that clipping the proliferation of unwanted
mail specialising in areas beyond one's realm of interest by splitting up
lists is a good idea . Personally, I concur with Jim Milles: having a "big"
"general" list allows for discussion / exchange of info (and, ok fess up,
esoterical quirkiana) caovering a broad range. As a result, issues from any
where on that greater spectrum of knowledge & issues are far less likely to
fall through the cracks which would happen as a side effect of excessive list
specialisation.
Regardless of the route "we" take on the list issue -- let's remember to keep
something simple just that -- simple! Having a huge list of subject headings
& subcodifications would compel us to have to keep a working copy of the list
of subject codes (since there are simply too many to just memorise) and that
would g r e a t l y complicate the simple task of weeding which currently
requires little more than scanning one's newmail directory for subject lines.
Personally, I like having a "big" list. There are some specialised lists I'm
on (sure, traffic is lighter but often the specialised subject matter ends up
being discussed on the "big list" anyway); there are some lists I want to sign
up for which requires more time for the purpose of digging up the listaddress
so that one c a n sign up. I often find myself forwarding questions from
one list to another if I see something whose answer is more likely to reside
in the knowledge realms of persons on some other list -- already a testament to
intricate branching out.
Do we really n e e d any more branching out, codification, cyphering (for
the purpose of deciphering only, tres naturellement) when we all already have
more than enough to keep up with in a typically busy day without the added
burden of remembering what specialised list or specialised subject cipher
pertains to what area of law and/or academic arena ???
Well, enough analysis for analysis' sake for one morning ...
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : 03/09/00 PST